Being involved in a vehicular crash is disruptive enough; a commercial truck accident presents new layers of complexity, requiring specialized legal expertise beyond car accidents.
How you respond in those moments after a truck accident should follow standard procedure. Pull off to a safe location, check for injuries, call 911, and seek medical attention right away. Depending on your injuries, you may need a paramedic on-site or visit an ER or urgent care clinic.
Perhaps the most noticeable difference is the complexity of truck accident insurance claims. Obtaining specialized legal expertise early is crucial for seeking fair and full compensation from truck insurers.
Be proactive! Learn how a lawyer can help with the following steps after a truck accident.
Document and Preserve the Accident
Suppose you were involved in a truck accident in Kern County. The precise location, signage, road conditions, weather, and time of day all play a role. Remember to document them, as they’re just as critical as injury documentation, while you find a trusted truck accident lawyer in Kern County, California.
Document the position of all involved trucks and vehicles. Record the scene, take photos from all angles, including any skid marks, debris, and fuel spills. These accidents reinforce the importance of having a dash cam; this footage is invaluable to truck accident claims.
Of course, take photo and video evidence of all injuries. See a doctor who can also provide critical documentation, as well as treatment plans. Keep digital copies of hospital bills.
Access ECM Data
Most commercial trucks have electronic control modules (ECMs), also known as black boxes. ECMs capture critical data for claims, like speed, braking, and steering. A truck accident lawyer can draft a legal spoliation letter to preserve black box data, which prevents a trucking company from overwriting the data once the truck is back in service.
Talk to Witnesses
Eyewitness statements must be collected quickly, necessitating the need for quick legal representation. A truck accident lawyer can come out to the scene to interview bystanders who can offer more nuanced information, including the color of the traffic light when the accident occurred. Additional surveillance footage can also yield more specifics on traffic conditions.
Communicating With Truck Insurers
Never approach the truck accident insurance claim process without a lawyer. Insurance adjusters for truck companies will often arrive on the scene within a few hours or less. Their job is to reduce the truck company’s financial liability as much as possible.
Without a lawyer, you’re vulnerable to providing information that could be used to diminish your claim. Even telling an adjuster that you’re “fine” can be reframed to diminish your experience, injuries, or property damage.
All communications should go through your lawyer.
Countering Undervalued Settlements
You can always expect an undervalued settlement offer the first time around. A specialized truck accident lawyer is trained in spotting such tactics and legally pushing back against unfair settlements. Having an expert on your side signals to insurers that you won’t be intimidated out of a fair settlement.
Receiving Full Compensation
Truck accident lawyers are focused on the long-term horizon. This sets the stage for full compensation. A good lawyer will prevent a client from settling before the full extent of the injuries and property damage is revealed.
Your lawyer will conduct a comprehensive assessment of your injuries and damages. Beyond reviewing documentation, they’ll work directly with healthcare providers to ensure no data is missed, including future medical costs for rehabilitation, impacted income, and long-term pain and suffering.
An accident reconstructionist may also be required to prove liability for full compensation.
Take Action Quickly
If you want to ensure the best-case scenario, add a reputable truck accident lawyer to your phone contacts before an accident even occurs. Early preparation is key, especially when it comes to commercial trucks.
Should you ever be involved in an accident, take proactive steps and call your lawyer immediately to start the claims process.
